Meet the Sharpthorne Steam Team
The Cameras
Nikon Zf
My first proper camera and because I learn via buttons and dials rather than menus, it was a no brainer when Nikon announced a full frame version of their crop sensor Zfc. This camera definitely has a fashion statement but having the same processor and sharing a good number of traits with the Z9 and Z8, means that this camera is a serious workhorse. Packing a 24MP sensor and the ability to film at 4k60, this camera gave me the opportunity to take my photography to the next level but also start to look into videography as well. A good many of the photos you see in the portfolio are taken with the Zf. A camera for me that has become a firm favourite to shoot with and to also have people start conversations when they ask how old the camera is and are shocked when I say less than 2 years old.
Tamron Z-mount 35-150mm f2-2.8
The Tamron lens was bought mainly for the need for a one and done lens. After some experience of charters at the back end of 2024 and the need with the 24-70 and the 70-180 to switch lens, I decided I wanted a lens that could do photo and film. Although the 24-120mm Nikkor was considered, the ability to have a bit more on the long end was more important to me for filming. Marrying this with the Z8 and its ability to use hi-res zoom, essentially makes this lens whilst filming a 35-300mm lens without any noticeable quality loss. Although heavy when attached to the Z8 weighing in at just under 2kg, the Z8 and 35-150mm have become an excellent combination in the last few months.
Nikon Z8
They say photography is an expensive hobby and feeling the need to get a hybrid camera to have the option to take both 45MP pictures but also 4k120 and 8k60 if need be. The Z8 was one of those purchases that you question but know you are ultimately going to buy, a guilty pleasure buy. At first I couldn’t get the autofocus to be as superb as the Zf’s but a few months in and a few 1000 shots later and it is working like a charm. This camera has fantastic in-body stabilisation to allow hand-held shooting when doing video and to get crystal clear photos. This camera also has the ability to use hi-res zoom which for shooting at 4k doubles the reach of the lens you have mounted, as the lens zooms into the 8k sensor. This has opened up filming opportunities, although it is still a bit of a learning curve.
Lens
Nikkor Z-mount 70-180mm f2.8
The first lens I purchased after buying my camera. The saying upgrade your glass before upgrading the body, definitely applies. The 24-70mm is a great kit lens, some of the pictures in the portfolio come from that lens. However, the need for a bit more range was required to get some shots. Although this is a re-badged Tamron lens, it rapidly became a firm favourite for me. This lens has captured for me the best shots I have taken so far in my very short photography journey and even with the purchase of the more expensive 35-150mm it still travels with me to galas and charters all over the country. A highly recommended budget zoom lens.
Microphone
Rode VideoMic NTG
Nikkor Z-mount 24-70mm
f4
My first lens that was bought with the Nikon Zf when for me the idea of what 24-70mm meant in real world application was alien language to me. This lens as well as the camera baffled me, how can I take better shots than my phone. This lens helped me understand focal range and to start understanding lens in general. What was an aperture? What was A and M on the side of the camera? All good questions but this lens, which if you can find it at a good price is £400, is a steal. It has no right being this good. But somehow this lens keeps coming out with me. Mainly now as a platform lens due to the 24-70mm range. It allows you to either get all the loco in at close range or crop people out at 70mm. Well worth it!